Counterfeit Goods Operation Result

On Sunday 1st February 2026 the Police Integrated Enforcement Team worked on Operation Ce Ce - a Royal Borough of Greenwich Trading Standards operation, targeting the sale of counterfeit and improperly imported tobacco being sold in commercial premises. 

Officers attended the first of three target addresses with the tobacco detection dog. Police arrived at an address in Hare Street SE18 where only one packet of counterfeit cigarettes was found on the premises, but the dog indicated towards two huge empty suitcases in the kitchen area, suggesting there had been more at some point. 

At this location a male was also arrested for criminal damage and assault on police; after attempting to gain entry to the shop by kicking the glass front door and injuring an officer in the process. Subsequently, the defendant pleaded guilty to both charges and was sentenced to 4 weeks in prison.

The 2nd visit was to a Plumstead High Street store where intelligence was obtained that a vehicle was being used to store cigarettes. The vehicle was located and the tobacco dog indicated to the boot area. The rear window was smashed to gain entry, and a large quantity of illegal tobacco was recovered.

The 3rd visit was to another commercial premises in Plumstead High Street, which led to the discovery of a car key and inside a car outside was another quantity of illegal cigarettes. 

Overall, this was a very positive outcome for this intelligence led operation dealing with counterfeit goods with police working in partnership with trading standards.